Democracy - Progress so Far

The United Nations has a strong mandate, rooted in the Charter, Universal Declaration and other international human rights instruments, to support the promotion of democratic ideals and practices.  The General Assembly has sought to bolster UN system support to Member States for democratization and the Commission on Human Rights has contributed to a wider understanding of the human rights underpinnings of democracy.  The Organization as a whole is already working on various areas of democracy assistance to both State and non-State actors and institutions.  This assistance occurs in the context of the Organization’s work in human rights, development cooperation, peace and security, and social affairs.  It ranges from strengthening the rule of law, good governance practices and the institutional framework for democratization, to electoral assistance and ensuring the fullest participation of women in society.  An increasing number of actors are working alongside the United Nations in the complex, multidimensional and progressive exercise of democratization.